Source: The Herald, Newcastle
THREE Newcastle teenagers on schoolies celebrations in Bali have been hospitalised after suffering suspected methanol poisoning.
At least one of the revellers is believed to have drunk a ‘‘blaster’’, which is supposed to be a concoction of vodka and other spirits.
But the Newcastle Herald has been told the teenager quickly lost his vision and motor skills.
The teen was taken to hospital in Bali, but has since recovered. It is unclear if the other two Newcastle teenagers are still in hospital.
One Novocastrian celebrating schoolies in Bali told the Newcastle Herald the ‘‘blasters’’ had been popular with Australian revellers.
‘‘I don’t know what made them go blind, but everyone seems to say it was methanol poisoning,’’ she said. ‘‘But the weird thing is, genuinely everyone was drinking these blasters.’’
The ill teenager posted on his Facebook page on Monday night to let family and friends know he was ok and to make it clear how he felt about the cocktail.
In December, 2013, Central Coast teenager Jasmine Barker survived suspected methanol poisoning unscathed after a night out in Kuta went horribly wrong.
Jasmine’s father, Errol, posted a message on Facebook to all schoolies in Bali saying: “PLEASE PASS ON TO ALL SCHOOLIES.
“If any one knows any one or has friends in BALI here is a WARNING.
“Drinks spiked with methanol served at the Bounty LAST NIGHT and two other smaller bars close by.
“If you feel sick and your eye sight becomes fuzzy or blurred seek medical attention. BETTER STILL IF ITS NOT IN A BOTTLE OR CAN DON’T DRINK IT.”
